Most Asian stock markets rose this morning, with the Nikkei 225 index surging more than 3%, following the positive close of US markets overnight. This came after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that the United States and Iran may soon reach an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The Nikkei 225 climbed 2,000.57 points, or 3.13%, to 65,958.10. South Korea's KOSPI index jumped 3.79%, while Taiwan's TAIEX gained 3.07%. Technology stocks in Asia saw significant gains, with SoftBank Group soaring over 10%, and Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix each rising more than 4%, after the US semiconductor index posted its biggest four-day surge since 2020. Brent crude oil prices continued to decline, hovering near 79 dollars per barrel, amid prospects of a temporary deal that would ease energy supply concerns.
SoftBank Group Corp.Surge in tech stocks on US-Iran deal easing tensions, boosting SoftBank's portfolio.
SK Hynix IncRise in semiconductor stocks on US chip index surge, benefiting SK Hynix.
Samsung Electronics Co LtdSemiconductor rally lifts Samsung Electronics shares.
